This is probably going to be a long post, because some context is necessary, but I'll try to keep it concise.
I own a 1998 Passat Variant, 3B5, with the 1.9 turbo diesel AHU engine, 66 kw. I've been addressing all kinds of issues, got it through technical inspection (here in Belgium), etc. I have recently lost engine performance, but a new turbo and vacuum lines have been ordered and I'm gonna install it soon. Might have to buy some new sensors too.
The instrument cluster has 'misbehaved' since the moment I got it, which is 2 years ago now; except for the speedometer, the values were wrong. The needles for rpm and fuel tank volume move, but their 'zero' is competely wrong (e.g. 0rpm = 1900rpm on the dial). Also, the red display doesn't work.
Earlier tonight I checked again if I could get the shareware version of vcds-lite working, this time with a cable with a ch340 chip, after my earlier attempt with an ftdi chip based cable was unsuccesfull.
This time it worked, and I decided to try an 'auto-scan'. During the scanning, which took quite a while, the needles moved 'around the place', and after finishing the needles for speed, engine temp and fuel tank volume stayed in the 'maxed out' position. I disconnected the car battery for a while, but when I turn the ignition on that's still exactly what I get: +1900 for the rpm value, and the needles for speed, tank volume and engine temp in their highest position (further than what's on the dial).
The needles move if I start the car, or in any case the one for fuel tank volume - had to stop testing though as I don't have a battery charger at the moment.
I can monitor vehicle speed with gps on my phone, for now. Fuel tank volume is more inconvenient; before it indicated (a lot) less than was in the tank, giving me some indication at least, while now it indicates way more than what's actually there.
I like kw1281test, have been reading the documentation. Using the command line is no issue, but as I'm a (car) noob there's still a lot I don't understand. Is there a way to reset the needles? Should I maybe take out the cluster and move the needles physically? Or would it be best to replace the cluster? In case the last option is the best, I guess I should have the skc/pin of the replacement cluster?
Thx in advance for any replies.